In a significant move for women’s health, Governor Maura Healey’s administration has announced nearly $3 million in grant funding to support 15 projects aimed at advancing various aspects of women’s health research.
During a visit to Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Governor Healey unveiled the grants, which will fund initiatives such as the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis, the development of less invasive screenings for cervical cancer, and the advancement of technologies to better understand pregnancy risks.
The grants were announced as part of Governor Healey’s broader efforts to promote women’s health and gender equality across the state. Speaking at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Governor Healey emphasized the historic neglect of women’s health issues and expressed enthusiasm for the increased attention and action in this area.
The majority of the grant money, totaling $2.6 million, comes from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center’s women’s health innovation program, with an additional $250,000 provided by the First Look Awards, a collaboration between the life sciences center and Brigham and Women’s Connors Center.
The grants are seen as a critical component of Governor Healey’s $3.5 billion economic development bill, which seeks to revitalize the life sciences industry in Massachusetts. The bill includes a 10-year, $1 billion reauthorization of a life sciences initiative launched in 2008, providing funding for tax credits, workforce development programs, and other initiatives.
Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao emphasized the comprehensive nature of the life sciences push, stating that it encompasses all aspects of health care. The bill aims to address significant challenges in women’s health and position Massachusetts as a leader in health innovation.
While Governor Healey’s bill undergoes review by the Legislature’s Economic Development and Emerging Technologies Committee, policymakers are also grappling with the financial crisis at Steward Health Care. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact of disruptions at Steward’s hospitals on the broader health care ecosystem in Massachusetts.
Kate Walsh, Healey’s health and human services secretary, underscored the complexity of the health care system and cautioned against oversimplified narratives about private equity in health care. She emphasized the need for careful consideration and evaluation of legislative measures in response to challenges facing the health care sector.
